1-15-14

Greetings and happy Sunday Afternoon!

It seems like it was just last week that I was wishing everyone a ‘happy polar vortex’. I’m not for certain, but I do believe it is near 70 degrees in Memphis and the sun is radiating. You know what us Tennesseans say: ‘you don’t like the weather? Wait a couple of days.’ Nevertheless, I hope you all are enjoying some time outside with this beautiful weather.

There are a few important items I want to cover in this post. One of these items has some great importance because it affects our meeting place this week. I am particularly excited about this news! I will get to that in a moment. I want to first recognize all of the compassionate UBFM members that made our most recent meeting possible. Ten magnificent bike riders showed up to deliver supplies to our brothers and sisters on the streets. In addition, a large number of people came together to prepare and cook food, donate additional supplies, and pray for our mission. Thank you all for the love and support that you continue to supply this organization with. I am humbled daily to see people of all different types and walks of life come together simply because an abundance of love resides in their hearts. Joy and blessings to you all.

Next week will see some changes for our Wednesday night meeting and perhaps all those that follow. Since I started this ministry we have met at my house. I have loved meeting at my house because I love having people over and providing hospitality. It is to my understanding that UBFM members like meeting at my house because it gives our meetings a home-like feeling. However, I do live in a small two bedroom, 1 bathroom duplex. As UBFM grows, my duplex seems to get smaller. I can continue to make my home function but there is a limit of how much storage I can supply. As we take in more supplies I feel we can operate better with more space. I have been contemplating this for quite some time. After much thought and prayer I received an email from the First United Methodist Church, downtown Memphis. They offered for us to use and meet at the church. They have given us access to storage and their large kitchen. I feel like this was a blessing because it will allow us to grow and reach more people on the streets. I accepted the offer and I am excited about this move! The church is located on our route. We pass it every Wednesday night. With the location being downtown more people can participate. Now, as we split into groups, one group will ride the downtown route. This route will only consist of 2-4 miles of riding. Several people have voiced that they want to help out with rides but they are unable to make the 12-15 miles of travel. This move will allow many of these people to volunteer. Also, with the storage room the church has offered us, we can now store more supplies. I feel like this move will be very good for our organization. I do believe it was an answered prayer. I look forward to see what additional opportunities it offers us.

A UBFM member brought a brilliant and important question. “What about post-ride pizza, beer, and fellowship?” asked one rider. We have addressed this. After our ride and we have returned back to the church and cleaned up, we will then meet at my house for fellowship, food, and a cold one. J I know many of you have early Thursday mornings and are unable to join us. If you are able, you are most welcome.

With all of that being said, if you plan on riding with us this Wednesday night, we will meet at ‪204 North Second Street Memphis, TN 38105. There is a parking lot at the north side of the building that we can utilize. You can enter the church through the front door. There will be someone at this entrance letting people in and guiding folks where to go (toward the kitchen). If you have any questions please give me a call: 931-703-7542. We will meet at our regular time of 7:30 PM. We will load up and try to roll out at 8:00. We should be done and back to the church between 9:30 and 10:00.

If you are able to join us, I look forward to see you and serve with you. If you are unable to join us I ask that you pray for our mission. Pray for our new location and our move. Also, spread the word of our efforts. Tell your friends and neighbors about what we do and our mission.

Thank you all for your support, donations, physical help, cooking, contributions, prayers, and love. It is because of you this ministry is possible.

Peace